Intuitive Machines Secures $4.82B Deal with NASA for Space Network Project

Intuitive Machines will deploy lunar relay satellites and provide communications and navigation services for NASA’s Artemis mission to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.

Intuitive Machines shoots for the Moon

The contract includes a five-year base period beginning 1 October 2024, with an option to extend for a further five years until 30 September 2034. 

Although the maximum potential contract value is $4.82bn, the initial contract only guarantees $150m, with the option for additional funding as the project progresses.

The award is part of the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) programme and will be performed by the Near Space Network team at NASA Goddard.

The parties did not disclose the amount initially awarded under the contract or how the company would provide services beyond using satellites in lunar orbit.

Intuitive Machines previously said it was working with York Space Systems to develop a line of satellites called Khon to provide these services.

Lunar relay satellites

Intuitive Machines will debut its lunar satellite constellations as part of the contract, providing enhanced data and transmission services and autonomous operations.

The lunar relay satellite constellations are designed to provide continuous communications and navigation services for missions on or around the Moon, including exploration and scientific study of the Moon’s South Pole region.

These satellites will operate from geostationary orbit in the near-lunar region, providing better data transmission, including 4K video, and improving navigation accuracy for lunar landing site selection and resource prospecting.

Without the enhanced coverage offered by lunar repeaters, landing opportunities at the Moon’s South Pole will be significantly limited due to the lack of direct communication between potential landing sites and ground stations on Earth.

The strategic importance of communications and navigation on the Moon

The contract terms include positioning, navigation and synchronisation support services critical to safe navigation on and around the lunar surface.

Intuitive Machines will also support NASA’s human landing systems, Lunar Landing Vehicle (LTV) and Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) missions.

Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus emphasised the importance of this contract, stating, ‘We are pleased to partner with NASA as a team to support the Artemis campaign and efforts to expand the lunar economy.’

NASA has previously invested $118 million in Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus spacecraft, the first U.S. landing module to reach the moon in more than 50 years. 

As Intuitive Machines continues to develop and deploy its relay satellites on the Moon, its infrastructure will play an essential role in ensuring the success of future Artemis missions.